1. Do your research: Check out the websites and mags and make your own judgment about the quality of pictures they publish. Find out for whom the photographer works. Chances are your photograph will look much the same as those you have seen in their publication.
2. Ask for 2 pictures: This is easy for a digital photographer. Make the first picture the "frameable" one with smiles and image, and if you want to stick your tongue out in the second picture, go ahead.
3. Review the pictures: Ask to see the pictures and if you don't like what you see, have the photographer press delete.
4. Too messed up = NO: At the time you may think you look like the hottest thing in the club, but if you are too drunk or otherwise not your usual self, you look it. Do you really want a permanent record of this?!
5. 99% Balance: A good posed picture has balance --Boy-Girl-Boy; Tall-Short-Tall, etc., etc. etc. Sometimes it's not convenient to reposition yourself, but remember, you are creating a permanent record of yourself, so it's worth the effort. Standing up usually looks better than sitting down.
6. Know Yourself: Before you go out, take a look in the mirror, or ask a friend for some constructive criticism. Once you know how to present yourself in the most favorable light, apply it to your photos. If you've got something you like, flaunt it. If you've got something you don't like, flaunt something else.
7. Interpret and Act: Most of the time, a photographer is trying to make you look good, too. If they ask you to change your pose or do something different, don't be afraid, just make sure you do it in a way that feels and looks natural in a photograph. Again, refer to Tip #6.
8. Make Good Lines: Good lines provide movement, can draw the eye to the center of the photograph, and usually make it more interesting. Instead of keeping your arms at your side, angle them inward and downward. Hold hands. Do something interesting.
9. Girls --Don't be Half a Woman: One of the most common things I see in a photo is when a girl buries half of her body into the shoulder of her boyfriend. It's great to show SOME profile, but next time, try showing both of your shoulders. Think of it as more of a lean than a push. Guys, you can help by giving her something to lean on, and putting your arms around her for support.
10. Avoid THE HAND: Everyone's instinct is to put your arm around someone's shoulder when you are being photographed. Sometimes this is okay, but most of the time you end up with a single hand sticking out in one side of the picture at eye level. Unless you are showing off the new engagement ring or are waving your arms to the music, the hands are best kept where they were installed -- below the shoulders.
11. Tilt at your Own Risk: There is always the tendency for the person on the end of a group picture to tilt their head 45 degrees or to turn their head sideways. Sometimes this looks good; other times all it does is emphasize the wrinkles or double chin. Usually all that is really required is to angle your body a little and keep your head straight

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